The Parkes Panthers hit the road this week in the first of four away games in a row as they take on the Cowra Blues.
The Panthers are coming off what some are saying is the upset of the year, when they beat Bathurst Bushrangers by two points at home last Saturday.
However, this week will be a real test for the Panthers with Cowra knocking off top of the table Orange last week.
Despite this, the Panthers will be up for the challenge with several players really hitting their straps after a slow start to the season.
Big man Craig Chapple was best on ground against the Bushrangers and will be looking to take that form into this week’s game.
Also finding some form at the moment is Reece Veper.
Stepping into the role of midfielder last week, Veper relished the opportunity and was instrumental across the centre line.
The backline for Parkes has been strong in recent weeks with Greg Mikita and Nathaniel Dixon standing tall, along with Tim Richter, Adam Parker and Matt Lawryk.
With these players performing well along with key recruit Tim Bray dominating the ruck, the Panthers should put up a good fight against the Blues.
Kicking off the day will be the under 14s at 11am, followed by the under 17s at 12.30pm and then the big one at 2.30pm.
If the Panthers can be competitive at the stoppages and the backline keeps tight, there could be an upset this week.